Parenting Checklists

Travel - Home Security

Create Light and Sound. Use automatic timers for your lights inside and motion detector lighting outside your house

Consider a house sitter . Leave a key with a trusted friend or neighbor so they can check, at least every 48 hours, on your home.

Create that lived-in look. For lengthy trips away from home, have a neighbor park a car in your driveway, keep your front door clear of newspapers/brochures and mow grass/remove snow.

Ensure all windows, all doors and all garage doors are locked. Disconnect power to automatic garage doors. Proper dead bolt, hinge, lock, latch and door frame installation is important to ensure doorways and windows cannot be pried open, spread apart or screws removed to allow easier forced entry into your home.

Install an alarm system that wails loudly when tripped.

Install bars or grill work in your basement windows (these can be opened from inside in case of fire).

Don't leave your garage door opener or vehicle registration papers in your car when you are at work or parked in an airport long-term parking lot. If a thief breaks into your automobile they know your home address from your vehicle permit.

Document your possessions. Take Photos and/or Videotape all your valuables. Store all this information off-site.

Maintain a good neighbor community. Organize a Neighborhood Watch. Look out for each other.